Repair Freewheel That Spins Both Ways

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

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[@manishmagar7177]

RJ The Bike Guy Hi! Can I clean those with kerosene, petrol etc, it will help?

[@carlitobanabatacguirhemjr8709]

Hi how to single spracket freewheel

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

@@carlitobanabatacguirhemjr8709 Same thing.

[@songsandverses]

I've seen you using grease and phil tenacious oil on the cassette/free wheel. Which is better or is there no difference? Also on one video during hub assembly you had used grease then you washed it off in mineral spirit and used phil tenacious oil. So I'm confused. Please also tell me whether your advice applies to freewheel and cassette. Thanks

[@martinhoward6875]

This problem has been bugging me on and off for the last few weeks, especially during very cold weather. I finally fixed it thanks to your very helpful video.

[@koltynturel9606]

Me to

[@johndoe-px2ti]

Great video. No nonsense, no useless monologue. Straight to the point, I can dig it. Thanks

[@ugomax13]

Can't believe I just fixed my sons bike that is spinning both ways after watching this video. I was almost going to buy another bike. Now all I spent was on wd40 and grease. Thanks to RJ The Nike Guy.

[@jessegalvan4109]

Not five minutes after removing the back wheel and applying your Technique I have a functioning bike again thank you so much! Now I have just get on it and start losing some weight! I also like you to know that you have a new subscriber you're very concise and to the point makes it simple enough for a guy like me again thank you

[@18snufkin1988]

I like you style RJ, you are a cool teacher. You keep it simple but very well done.

[@SinnerSince1962]

RJ, I can't thank you enough for how many problems you've solved for me, how much expertise you've imparted, and how much money you've ultimately saved me through your videos. I've learned so much from you! I have a Helicomatic that has been skipping and it's a bit alarming and dangerous at times. I think a little work with this method ought to free up the sticking pawls and alleviate this problem.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Give it a shot. Can't hurt. Helicomatic parts are getting hard to find.

[@Daluke61]

Had a freewheel that wasn't engaging at times, usually when beginning to pedal. Once engaged, worked fine; never has slipped once it's engaged, yet. Still, had no clue what might be going on in inside the cassette nor how it even worked. Now I know and at a minimum, you've saved me from having to fork over some money for a new freewheel. Very useful, indeed!!

[@szymonsarna529]

Very helpful. I ve had a customer lately with such problem and I put the new one. Now I know It can be done like this much cheaper. Thanks.

[@redrocker1055]

RJ, I can't count how many times you have save my butt. 90% of my bike repair skills have come from watching your videos. Thank you soo much for posting these videos.

[@moneymayhem9937]

this helped me soo much. One being super stubborn I tried everything I knew as a bike technician washed your video sprayed a tiny WD-40 in the cracks worked perfect.

[@KDXGarage]

Thank you for the videos on older bikes. I watched the one on replacing cracked cantilever brakes, then put some new brakes on my friend's bike, a 1992 Motiv Cross Creek. Step on the pedals for a test ride, freewheel is not working. Back again to watch this video from RJ The Bike Guy. :-)

[@emmettroche313]

I had this problem on my 1985 restored Raleigh sprint. You are a saviour

[@ArcGlowingVision]

I have the same problem. But you make it look way to easy. I thought I would have to go spend $100 + on odd tools that are dramatically inflated and over priced. Your telling me I can fix my bike for free? Man I love KZbin!! Great Video. Superb Tip Champ.

[@mikem1589]

This is an alright solution for a quick fix or if you can not source a new freewheel for your particular bike. An oil is not a good replacement for grease and this is not how it was done at the factory. If you have the mechanical ability, stripping a freewheel completely isn't too bad of a task. Just make sure to buy spare bearings! The ideal solution is that you find a brand new replacement which is getting harder these days.

[@patrickr5945]

Instant fix for me. I was starting to think i'd have to replace it. Thanks.

[@jonathanruiz2716]

Exactly what was wrong with my uncle's bike. Thanks!!

[@muzzarobbo]

thanks, this was exactly my problem and it cost me nothing to fix, didn't even need to get the freewheel removal tool

[@jffydavy5509]

The information here is very good, WD40 is mostly Kerosine which degreases very well but is a very temporary lube. If the cleaning doesn't seem to help the pawls to engage, on 'cheap' freewheels the return springs may have worn out or the pawls may have broken. It is great trying to recycle, but you may have to replace. When you put a freewheel on a hub, grease the hub freewheel threads and the threads on the freewheel itself. This gives an even coat on all the threads to assure future removability.

[@charmedrools1]

Imma pray this works to fix my bike I'll try it out tomorrow when I've got sunlight. Bc I swear if ive gotta replace the whole cog imma cry 🥲 Just a question if anyone knows, does/can an issue like this make your shift gear feel tighter? Or make it skip down to tighter gears? Cuz my grip was in 3rd gear but my chain was on 6th after this problem occurred, had to manually reset both to 1st by taking the chain off setting both the grip and chain to first. I thought that would fix it for some reason but all it did was make it work for about 2 wheel rotations then stop (which is what makes me think its a lube issue)

[@K0R0_CHAN]

That Is very informative, this is currently the problem with my road bike BUT how do i know if the freewheel is damaged or simply needs to be cleaned? Is there an indication? Cuz i dont want to end up buying equipments when the freewheel is actually damaged, im currently not that well off in money so i need to be sure about my choices, i use my bike as my service to work and school so its really important

[@ericfloe9624]

Thanks, you just saved me 40 bucks!

[@stefanobettin4442]

this video came through and saved my bike. couldn’t be more thankful

[@bikenraider99]

After 25 years of bikes; I finally ran i to this situation. Appreciate the video, thanks for sharing.

[@dominikk.3706]

WOW! Crescent wrench is really huge :)

[@verynice1192]

gey

[@johndoe-px2ti]

That’s what she said

[@ninetails1553]

Oh yeah! Just did this and it worked to perfection! I was all ready to buy a wheel and everything! Thank you!!!

[@brianchisnell1548]

Mine wasn't clicking that I could hear. Still working though. Cleaned and lube as you did and now perfect. 1971 Sierra brown Sports Tourer. Restoed!!

[@NicodemusatNite]

Thanks RJ. My son's bmx pedals rotate but not the rear tire. Going to try this weekend. Thanks again.

[@alistanford]

Thank you very much. This little video has solved the problem in minutes and cost me nothing. I thought I needed a new wheel!

[@TokiSharing]

Thanks sir, i was so annoying for this problem. now the solution founded! I gotta go to fix this now! Thanks so much!

[@mmafan9518]

Thanks allot this worked well for me as i was very confused what had happened for it to spin both ways! i never took the cog right off, i just took the wheel off and just gave it a good spray both sides and spun it until it clicked then boom working thanks again!

[@xx3868]

Excel video- had same problem and just ending up pulling it apart and cleaning and inspecting the parts and lubed with engine oil and no problems. Your way is less disassembly and as long as you get all the degreaser out and lube back in, it be good and all the replies here seem happy after trying it too. I also use same oil on my chain and car wheel grease for my bearings. I figure that grease can hold a ton of car, it should work ok in a bike bearing and never had a problem or wear. So you can pay lots $$$ for "special lubes" but an old steel bike, surely it will work ok?.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

General purpose grease will work, though I prefer marine grease.

[@wallstreet497]

After watching this video I decided to use hot boiling water from the kettle all over the cassette without removing it from the wheel it works in less than 5 minutes . Thanks 👍

[@Jakthehero33]

Question, so i got a bike that just recently began doing this, first was skipping, and i sort of ignored it and now i went down the road and it just went out completely, im pritty sure i broke the Palls at that point, not quite sure. So my question is, what would i need to do to find a replacement freewheel, thanks.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Well, first trying this to see if it solves the issue. If you need to buy a new freewheel, go on Amazon and find one with matching speeds and gearing.

[@VitorMadeira]

Precious video. Quite helpful. Thank you and greetings from Portugal.

[@lululexisfanclubpresident5564]

holy cow I just changed my first tire and ended up with a wheel that doesn't go with the pedals... this video was made just for me. thanks. new to all this fix bike stuff.... new to all this ride bike stuff... but I'm doing it!

[@ericrowland4813]

Thought I was going to have to buy a new wheel - this worked like a charm. Thanks!

[@leepartington6378]

Hi RJ great video, very useful tips. What is the name of that small tool you used for removing the cassette? I have this problem and I was unfortunate to take a fall when it gave way. So I want to give this a shot at fixing it 👍

[@leftoverking]

my kid's trek had the same problem yesterday, and i did something similar, i ended up opening up the outer bearing seal with a punch and flushed it. the pauls came loose, i re greased it and put it back together, good as new! thanks!

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

I have a video on disassembly also. But this method is a lot easier.

[@leftoverking]

@@RJTheBikeGuy I combined info from a few videos since my freewheel was different, and I had no removal tool. But the basic idea of flushing out the stuck parts worked. Thanks again.

[@bogsy3407]

You have just saved me a ton of work and money. Thank you!! You are awesome. Just subscribed and liked!

[@edshafer2630]

Excellent video on freewheel maintenance!!

[@my2wheels]

That was helpful! I had this problem last night. I'll try to fix it this week or by the weekend.

[@Elangelbori]

Thank you

[@mosesmithamo4727]

Thank you so much bro, ave wasted money buying new free wheels

[@davidarmstrong1624]

Mate, thanks for this. I was expecting an expensive repair or replacement, but your advice and 15 minutes work solved the problem :-)

[@menglish83]

Great video. Thank you for demonstrating this so well.

[@sjbyrne78]

Legend. Saved me a trip to the bike shop.. many thanks..

[@douglasduncan8040]

Excellent, you saved me money and I learned something new

[@pablocianain]

Nice one my man 👌. I was going to buy a new cassette or leave it into a shop after my last effort to fix using brake cleaner only lasted my son a few rides. Wasn't generous enough with the degrease fluid and I had forgot to re -lube and it was a dry spell . hopefully this will be more permanent

[@CACTUS459]

It's been 7 months, have you had to re-oil?

[@leogarvey651]

Thanks for the advice RJ....GodBless

[@SprayIgniteBoom]

That is exactly what's going on with my mtb. Great 2 know!!! Thanks 🙏

[@Nickpeezy94]

Thanks dude my 29 inch rear wheel wasn’t that easy but you help a lot save me some money

[@properjob7970]

Thank you, I must give this a try on my old Raleigh Racer. The gear's are getting worse.

[@rayschindler7451]

Hey good video,but I don't have WD-40 any other alternative you can suggest?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Buy some WD-40 or borrow some.

[@443DM]

Just use any other spray lube - chain spray, silicone spray, Liquid Wrench Spray. Go for the cheapest thing you have that sprays - you're going to flush most of it out anyway.

[@duncansnape6975]

Have an extra like for fixing bikes in your garage in your socks - white ones too...

[@jonathanhart8570]

RJ, so I can't be sure what tool I need to unlock the freewheel its a brand new 9 cog cassette and I am baffled with the correct tool to undo it, it is shimano quick release so I will need to try and buy it or borrow 1,are there any numbers for the right tool Thx I look forward to hearing from you and thanks for the clear instructions my name is Jonathan

[@raymopoli]

Many thanks for taking the time to teach this! 👍

[@akbubs]

Would 3-in-One oil work the same as Phil?

[@euanmaclean2633]

I never had trouble taking the face plate off to remove the pawls and springs on my cheapo units, starting with a single speed Sturmey Archer back in 1954. They all worked well enough, better for the lube I put in.

[@roberttoodie275]

cleaning it and then adding oil...seemed to have done the trick..now my bike is working again (so far) thanks

[@sharanthapa1123]

It was very helpful. Thanks 👍

[@fostermckeon9504]

What a great help. Thank you. I need to buy a free wheel tool.

[@namelessduck1220]

I use M10 oil for some parts and oil for chains, if i need to of course. I don't ride my bikes a lot so i rarely clean and lube them.

[@hyperboytkl1077]

The problem here is a seized /frozen sprocket mechanism. At 3:19 the sprocket problem should already actually be fixed at this point as you try turning it in the opposite direction . Once the steel balls inside start rolling freely as you can hear, the sprocket will engage. WD 40 is already good enough as a lubricant itself. Although the thick lubricating oil that you add afterwards can also be good for an extra coat of protection. I've seen some injecting grease into their gear mechanisms but i would not advice it, since grease hardens and becomes sticky as it ages.

[@papagrouch8416]

Thanks much. Exactly what's going on with my bike, ...but not for long

Thanks. I have same problem whit my bike. No I can fix it, thanks to you.

[@james4506T]

Very helpful and very well explained thanks a million sorted the problem right out

[@jooeee23]

Nice job man

[@rodrigog.c.6047]

Hi there! Did you try to pass the lube with a syringe or is it too thick?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Try it.

[@michielnooren2076]

I had my freewheel spinning both ways during a freezing winterday. I guess the grease in side was frozen. Should I use a lighter lube instead of thick grease?

[@kdclothings5847]

Only video that works! Thanks

[@sethvaughn9010]

Thanks for the great video!!

[@h2010hmm]

Thank you very much for your information جزاك الله خيراً An Arabic

[@ianrice1778]

What does it mean if only sometimes it slides forward. It does it when I don't even peddle hard. Only has done it a couple times. But I'm thinking it's going to manifest into a bigger issue. Thank you.

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The pawls are slipping. Most like this will fix the issue unless the pawls are damaged.

[@shivrajsawant9]

I replace my freewheel..after installation my chain start jump to next gear..specifically from 5 th to 6 th gear and start clicking sound ....it faulty freewheel or bco of gear settings? ?

[@jstndmnd27]

Can i do this without removing the Free wheel?

[@Kerchunk]

You are well deserving of a Sainthood.

[@BodywiseMustard]

Why did you use WD40? Isn't that a rust remover? Would GT85 be better?

[@prostreetgsxr]

Would it be easier to soak the freewheel in kerosene? And while it’s soaking, you can take a wide paint brush and brush the gears off and clean them as well.

[@isaiahwelch8066]

Actually, if you have a freewheel and a couple of chainwhips, you could remove the cogs from the freewheel and clean them that way.

[@faruk5076]

Thank you sooo much ❤

[@lineartechbd1600]

I used to do this but what I did was use wd40 to break up the dried up grease, then use automotive brake cleaner spray to flush out the wd40 then lube it with oil. Brake cleaner is great for this because the spray can blast the wd40 out and the brake cleaner will evaporate really fast too.. Soaking the whole freewheel in diesel fuel might also work to clean that grease out.

[@hbmike47]

lineartechbd1600 If you want to clean correctly, disassembly of the freewheel like this one is very easy. The bearing retainer unscrews clockwise (reverse threaded). There are typically a couple of thin shims under it, then upper bearing and lower bearing. it all comes apart and goes back together easily, particularly these common suntour type freewheel. I use kerosene to soak off old dirty grease. It evaporates OK, or you can use denatured alcohol rinse. I hate WD40. Worst stuff ever. Use good waterproof grease for bearings, pawls and internal shell to protect from water. Don't forget to service rear hub bearings too.

[@philosopherpot5496]

so when riding my bike, i would be able to keep my feet completely still and have the pedals not move but the wheels and the bike would still move. i havent ridden that bike in years and today i decided to pump air back into the tires and now it doesnt do that anymore. If i keep my feet still, the pedals will move with the tires. im not sure what its called but how do i get it back to do what it used to?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

The freewheel is sticky. The old grease got thick. This will fix that too.

[@brianpcpc5292]

yeah cool video but what i do is use a hammer and spike remove the outer ring anticlockwise then . re grease the freewheel with white lithium grease . why ?no ticking quieter riding and i get to check the tiny ball bearings are not worn or damaged . it lasted me longer than the life of the rear freewheel or the cassette i use on my own bicycles . been working on bikes for 40 years and an old Aussie mate told me this white lithium grease trick . he also works in the bicycle trade . he moved to Europe and still uses the white lithium grease as an indicator of dirt levels in the grease as they change in colour as i do it too now ive seriously had no issues . the grease takes the high speed stress off the snapping inside the freewheel . i also do a lot of miles on the bikes i use . no issues yet 12 years later . happy cleaning and ride hard . best regards .

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Sometimes kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipDZg5V4h7WlacU But in most cases it would be like overhauling an engine when you just need an oil change.

[@johnwheels89]

RJ The Bike Guy I agree nice video btw

[@larrywolf2558]

Thanks so much! You saved me time & money. New subscriber here.

[@roncooke2188]

Just had to do this to a freewheel on a Claud Butler and now working fine

[@dansibayo4214]

Thank you very much for the info Sir. You're most helpful.

[@christianfrancissarcon6813]

Very helpful thank you!

[@peterohlin977]

helpful video but i can't seem to get the freewheel off the bike. i have the right tool - it slots in perfectly - but when i turn it, the freewheel just spins and doesn't come off (nor can I tighten it securely). Somehow the threads have been stripped maybe?

[@nasirramli8658]

Thank you very much Sir.. Very nice of tuition..

[@ndagijimana]

Thank you this video helped me..I was so upset with my bike

[@JacobDaniel.]

Great video! I have the same issue with a bike I’m restoring. Tried this and still nothing, the sprockets don’t move in relation to the innermost tool fittings at all. I about to finally give up and replace the freewheel. But I’d like to know if anyone has had any luck with using a remover tool and a chain whip to force the freewheel to coast? Also, could it perhaps work as a last resort to sink the whole thing down in degreaser to fix the issue?

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

Maybe you don't have a freewheel. Maybe you have a cassette. Or Uniglide. kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5TKq2Zjjd6Boas

[@JacobDaniel.]

RJ The Bike Guy I’m kinda new at this but what makes me think it’s a freewheel is that I screwed the whole thing off of the hub using a remover tool that is for freewheel and Campagnolo cassettes according to specs (the tool has has 12 notches, 26-28mm in diameter), and also it very much looks like a freewheel on video you now linked. It also says “MF-Z012” on it which, if I’m correct, is a freewheel model. Furthermore it’s Shimano and has 5 sprocket.

[@nickheinz3737]

Like you no nonsense approach.

[@42maelstrom]

Thank you!!!

[@daddyd6152]

Thanks man!

[@miacooper8491]

Generally helped me out a lot, thanks

[@RJTheBikeGuy]

You're welcome!

[@federicosocuaji5770]

thank you for solving my problem

[@jackpredmore493]

This helped me out sooo much, thank you!!!!

[@callumoconnor48]

Worked like magic for me

[@youngbleeders1691]

Thankyou for this it really helped me.

[@mr.e1220]

Thanks